Category: News

News

API’s new Integrity and Product Compliance Platform: I-TCF

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

Brands and retailers globally are obligated to ensure their products are compliant with market destination standards and regulations. However, many factors make ensuring compliance a tricky task, including stricter regulations and increasing picking stores by the local authorities, the need for improved traceability and records, and the large number of references requiring time and technical staff.

Defining the applicable scope across different product categories requires expertise, while gathering all the necessary documentation from various supply chain stakeholders is a time-consuming task. This administrative burden also brings risk and the need for technical review, as nearly one document in every three reviewed by our experts is found to be not compliant. In many instances, it isn’t easy to handle this internally due to issues such as:

Complexity with keeping records up to date
Multiplicity of suppliers with different maturity and contact persons (to stay competitive and ensure good pricing, brands tend to diversify).
Multiple documents and files requiring the right expertise to collect the right documents, need to know the regulation covering the product in order to ask for the right docs
No dedicated team for the task: Dull task for brand’s engineers, very administrative. But cannot be done by someone without technical knowledge.
Process too slow vs. rotation of collections too fast
Significant time required
No proper interface to coordinate document collection and review

Introducing API’s I-TCF platform

To alleviate this challenge, API has launched its new I-TCF platform. Leveraging our 15 years’ experience in this service and the valuable feedback from our clients we have designed a new user-friendly platform that supports our I-TCF solutions, enabling you to easily keep your eyes on what matters: the completed files, the ones under completion, and those that will expire soon.

The I-TCF, or Integrity and Technical Compliance File, is a digital ID of your product and its proven compliance with the latest applicable standards and regulations, including:

Applicable protocols
Document validation/rejection
Validity over time

The platform introduces a new way to manage documentation, proving compliance with increased visibility on products and status, such as:

Quality overview of your products
Document status and tracking
Alerts management
Regulatory watch

Suppliers can now benefit from the easy-to-use system by uploading the documents required to complete your I-TCF, receiving regular updates about your I-TCF status, as well as guidance from our experts on the next steps needed for any rejected documentation.

How API’s I-TCF platform can benefit your brand

Confidence in a correctly completed I-TCF
Fast reply to authorities – documents available in one click
Reduced time and costs, allowing internal teams to focus on core added-value missions:
API’s team of experts complementing your teams on specific product categories
Executing document collection and verification

Interested in learning more about API’s I-TCF platform?

News

API shares industry expertise at the ICPHSO 2021

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

API will address the ‘new normal’ and share technical insights and expertise at the ICPHSO (International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization) 2021 Annual Virtual Meeting and Symposium.

During a plenary session on ‘Practical Strategies for Business Continuity, Ongoing Product Safety, and Increased Visibility,’ Jennifer Miller, the senior director of business development, North America, for SgT (API’s sister company), will discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on supply chains and how companies should adapt to ensure business continuity and ongoing safety and quality through a ‘boots on the ground’, preventative approach.

About the Session

Plenary 3: “Practical Strategies for Business Continuity, Ongoing Product Safety, and Increased Visibility”

Thursday February 25, from 8:15AM to 9:00AM ET

Ensuring supply chain continuity while managing risk and disruption has become a key priority globally. Practices that ran smoothly before COVID-19 must now be reassessed, with the need to evaluate vendors and suppliers more carefully and develop processes that protect resilience. Traditional onsite product controls have been challenged by ongoing travel restrictions, budget constraints, lack of transparency, and more, compelling businesses to adapt and find new ways to safeguard continuity.

Securing product safety and quality in this ‘new normal’ requires visibility over the entire supply chain to better understand its composition and processes for greater traceability. With the help of advanced technologies and adaptable tools, teams can also remotely monitor this improved transparency to ensure product safety and quality in an unprecedented era.

Interested in learning more about this or other topics?

News

SCIP database for SVHC declarations – commencing Jan 5

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

From January 5, 2021, the new SCIP database – the Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products) – will come into force. Established under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), the database requires companies that supply articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs) on the Candidate List in a concentration above 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) in the EU market to submit information on these articles to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Companies in the household goods and toys segments also need to respond to this new directive when their articles or packaging contain a higher concentration than is allowed. Products at lower risk of such concentration levels will most likely be those made from inorganic materials such as metal or glass. On the other hand, consumer goods made of plastic, rubber, or with high levels of ink, paint or glue have higher chances of being at risk. The spectrum of products that can be affected is broad, ranging from such items as toys or inflatable articles, to luggage, outdoor furniture and other household goods.

This database collects information about substances of concern, aiming to decrease the generation of waste containing hazardous substances and promote substitution. It will also contribute to a safer circular economy, providing waste operators with more information on the hazardous substances in the waste they process, making sorting waste easier and improving the quality of recycled materials due to greater visibility over chemicals. It will also allow consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions and choose safer products.

What needs to be submitted?

Information relevant to the identification of the article;
Name, concentration range, and location of the SVHC; and
Other information on the safe use of the article, particularly if the above information is not sufficient to ensure the proper management of the article as waste.

Who needs to submit information?

Companies supplying articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHC) on the Candidate List must be present in an article in a concentration above 0.1 % weight by weight, including:

EU producers and assemblers;
EU importers; and
EU distributors of articles and other actors who place articles on the market.

Retailers and other actors supplying articles directly to consumers are not obliged to submit information to ECHA.

Do you have questions about how the new SCIP database requirements may affect your business?

News

Amendment: European Plastic Food Contact Regulation

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

As per the updates on the Regulation (EU) 2020/1245 in September 2020, the European Union introduced amendments in Regulation (EU) No. 10.2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The new regulation came into force on September 23, 2020.

The most significant changes are:

Union list of authorized substances (Annex I)

Some amendments on the following substances:

1-3-phenylenediamine (CAS 108-45-2)
Antimony trioxide (1309-64-4).

Three entries are newly added.

Specific migration (Annex II)

Heavy metals – Newly added 9 heavy metals on top of the existing 9 heavy metals (total 18 heavy metals) are required:

Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Europium, Gadolinium, Lanthanum, Lead, Mercury & Terbium.

Primary aromatic amines (PAA) – the detection limits for PAA are amended:

≤ 0.002 mg/kg for each PAA listed in entry 43 Annex XVII to REACH Regulation No 1907/2006, and no migration limit is specified in Table 1 of Annex 1.
≤ 0.01 mg/kg for the sum of PAAs not listed in entry 43 of Annex XVII to REACH Regulation, and no migration limit is specified in Annex I.

Declaration of Compliance (Annex IV)

Identification and quantity of substances in the intermediate materials are included.

Compliance Testing (Annex V)

For repeated use materials and articles:
1. The specific migration between subsequent tests does not increase (i.e. SM1 > SM2 > SM3).
2. Stability of the material and articles also need to be verified. In cases of insufficient stability, compliance of the material shall NOT be established, even in cases where the specific limit is not exceeded in any of the three tests.
For overall migration testing conditions:

OM0 (new) – 30 minutes at 40°C for materials used only at cold or ambient temperatures for 30 minutes or less.
OM4 – reflux condition is available as one of the options.

Transitional Arrangements

Plastic materials and articles complying with Regulation 10/2011 as applicable before September 23, 2020, and which were first placed on the market before March 23, 2021, may continue to be placed on the market until September 23, 2022, and remain on the market until all stock has been sold
New materials and articles that were manufactured after September 23, 2020, need to comply with the new regulation starting March 23, 2021.

Do you have questions about this or other regulatory changes?

News

Sustainability: Building today for the benefits of tomorrow

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

COVID-19 has elevated the debate of the importance of sustainability in the long-term, increasing awareness among many companies of the need to consider social, ethical, and environmental standards above short-term profits. While some companies have implemented strong environmental policies in recent years, others have seized the opportunity to embed sustainability into their ‘new normal’ operations instead of considering it a ‘nice to have.’

Whether it is the adoption of transformational sustainability strategies or an approach at a reduced scale, companies can benefit from implementing policies and sustainability programs that make societal sense, positively impact the planet, and result in long-term savings for the company. Brands are increasingly aware of the positive impact of sustainability and the need to incorporate it into their strategies, with 40% of companies having reinforced their sustainability commitments during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey from The Business of a Better World (BSR).

Source: ‘Corporate Sustainability & COVID-19’, May 2020, The Business of a Better World (BSR)

In an era of increasing consumer demand for environmental commitment, a solid sustainability strategy will not merely have a positive impact on customer preferences. It can also lead to economic savings as a result of, among other things, the reduction of water and energy consumption and waste.

To support brands on their path towards sustainability, API is launching a new series of free 30-minute sustainability webinars covering everything from adequate labeling and avoiding greenwashing to the analysis of the chemical management in the supply chain and the positive impact on savings that a sustainability strategy can bring. Register now for our upcoming webinars:

December 03 – Footprint Study and Labelling

How can you promote your sustainability practices without greenwashing?

Beginning with an overview of the different criteria required to calculate a product footprint, learn how to provide customers with verified information about ‘eco-labels.’

Register now

December 10 – Chemical Management in the Supply Chain
Brands, retailers, and suppliers are increasingly looking to improve their chemical management. The question remains: How do you assess the chemical risk and enhance the chemical performance of your supply chain?

Register Now

December 17 – Sustainability: Positive Impacts with Savings

While environmental sustainability is about taking care of the planet and its residents, it is also about saving money. Less waste, less consumption of water and energy, and fewer chemicals: sustainability is actually an investment in a company’s’ future.

In this webinar, our expert will share concrete examples of how using the right processes can help companies match their environmental goals with their bottom line.

Register Now

Interested in other topics or trainings?

News

Upcoming webinars on Sustainability and CSR

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

The challenges faced by supply chains and the need to focus on short-term priorities have put CSR and sustainability efforts in the spotlight. Some companies have been struggling to maintain their path toward sustainability while adapting to the ‘new normal’. Others have taken the opportunity to rebuild and refocus on longer-term objectives and more sustainable supply chains.

‘In business, sustainability has become synonymous with credibility.’

In this context of a new normal, consumer preferences are also changing with an increase in the importance of social and environmental causes. According to a survey* by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM) in collaboration with the National Retail Federation (NRF), 6 in 10 consumers are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce their environmental impact.

To help companies in their sustainability efforts, API is launching a new series of sustainability webinars starting in November.

Stay tuned for more about our upcoming topics.

*Research study of 18,980 consumers in 28 countries

News

API at Spielwarenmesse 2022, Nuremberg Toy Fair

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

We are pleased to announce our participation at the Spielwarenmesse® 2022 in Nuremberg on 2-6 February 2022.

Are you also attending the Toy Fair? Come and visit us at our booth B-07 in Hall 3A and discover API’s new solutions and best practices for Toys Quality Management. Book your appointment to talk to our team!

Api Solutions For Toys: Leveraging Product and Manufacturing Expertise

At API, our product and manufacturing expertise – acquired daily, on the ground – allows us to identify and anticipate risks before they reach the production line. Our toy experts can guide and assess your teams from the design and prototype stages, helping you manage risks and make your products safer. We work closely with toy committees, keeping up to date with changes in standards and regulations and receiving the latest news on current areas of concern and hot industry topics.

Some of our expert solutions for toys along the entire supply chain include:

Development assistance
Compliance testing
Fit-for-play testing
Documentary validation: Integrity and Technical Compliance File
Inspections
Factory assessments (technical, CSR, environmental audits)
Sustainability solutions
Technical support
In Production Process Assessment
Dedicated technician

News

Leaving China? Tips on a smooth sourcing transition

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

A spate of recent incidents has seen global supply chains shifting away from China, including Covid-19 pressures, geopolitical tensions, container scarcity, power breaks, and more. Reshoring, offshoring, and nearshoring were some of the most used terms in 2020 in numerous industries as companies seek alternatives to reduce their reliance on the world’s manufacturing superpower.

While many companies have traditionally turned to other sourcing countries in Asia, brands are increasingly looking for sourcing alternatives closer to home. For example, European brands are finding they can better control uncertainties and keep a closer eye on their supply chains by turning to sourcing opportunities in Eastern Europe and nearby countries such as Tunisia.

Market research shows some of the below as the main factors to shift sourcing / manufacturing out of China:

Source: Supplychaindive.com, Apr 2021 – ‘Supply chains do the math on reshoring’s pros and cons’

The benefits of sourcing closer to home include the flexibility of being near to customers and the market, improved lead times, and greater stability in the availability of products and raw materials, shipment schedules, and other stock issues. However, changing sourcing locations brings its own set of challenges.

Shifting to a new sourcing location means exchanging a well-known supply chain with a new pool of suppliers that can introduce complications. If many brands are relocating to a new sourcing location at once, driving up demand, the factories – despite their maturity – may not have the workforce or capabilities to meet these needs. Other issues may arise in different areas, including CSR concerns such as migrant worker, forced labor, home-based workers in substandard workshops, freedom of association, and more.

Taking some key things into account can ease the transition and reduce complications:

Tips for a smooth transition to sourcing close to home

Get to know your new suppliers: A technical audit will give you visibility over the supplier’s real capabilities, maturity, setup, management system, respect for social and environmental requirements, and more.
Ensure the supplier has the right processes in place: Your new supplier must have the workforce and capabilities to meet your brand’s quality standards. New hires need to be familiar with the production process and the products to avoid costly mistakes. It’s also important to have a well-trained quality control team that can manage product quality checks and identify these results for hazard and risk analysis for you.
Seek support from a qualified third party: To navigate the uncertainty of starting from scratch with a new supplier, relying on the support of a qualified third party can help facilitate this changeover and ensure the most critical points are addressed for a stable transition.

At API, our extensive expertise supports our customers in establishing new sourcing strategies near their destination countries, including:

Technical, social, and environmental audits
In-production process assessments
Dedicated technician programs
Factory/supplier training.

Want to know more about how API can act as an extension of your team and support your new sourcing challenges and objectives?

News

API sponsored ICPHSO 2021 symposium

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

API sponsored one more year the ICPHSO International Symposium that took place online this year on October 27 and 28 bringing together some of the top international brands and retailers.

During these two day-conference brands such as Decathlon, Hasbro and Lego shared their views on the perspectives on the future of consumer product safety.

The ICPHSO Virtual International Symposium is a global symposium that includes participation from regulators, producers, retailers, test labs, consultants, law firms, academia, consumers, product safety experts, media and others on best product safety practices, emerging hazards and trends, product recalls and the design and sale of safe consumer products from inception through end of life and sustainability issues. More information about ICPHSO can be found on their website: https://icphso.org/

News

COVID-19: Global Summary of Operating Countries

Post author By Admin
Post date June 23, 2022

Access our update of local operating status by country. Please note that the overview will be updated if there is a change of status in any of the countries covered.

API’s teams are following COVID-19 evolution and communicating with customers and their suppliers on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your Key Account Manager or Customer Service Representative if you have any questions.

September 17, 2021